Seren was taken to Denbigh Infirmary and then transferred to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd for scans and X-rays to make sure she had no fluid on her lungs.

She felt sick after her ordeal and suffered shock, but is otherwise fine.

“Thank God for the lifeguard,” said Iona.

“If not for him, the situation would have been 10 times worse or, worse still, Seren could have drowned.

“I’d been working the night shift when I got the phone call and went straight to see Seren.

“It was only when I sat down later that night that it all hit me.

“I can’t thank the school and the lifeguard enough for what they did for Seren.

“They definitely deserve some recognition.”

Ian Olson, Denbighshire’s leisure officer, said: “Realising that Seren was struggling in the water, Gethin took immediate action by sounding the emergency alarm and jumping into the pool to bring the little girl to safety.

“All of our swimming staff and lifeguards have been trained to deal with these kinds of situations.

“It is very much a part of the job, but I would like to commend Gethin for his prompt action and care of Seren.

“He’s delighted that he was in a position to bring Seren to safety quickly.

“We are also pleased to hear that Seren is well after the incident and we look forward to welcoming her back to the pool.”